An important new resource to promote farm safety in schools is set to be created through an initiative launched by Ulster Bank, the principal sponsor of the Balmoral Show.

Young people aged 11-16 are being invited to submit ideas for a story illustrating the potential dangers on a farm and how to stay safe.

A winning entry will be chosen by judges from Ulster Bank, the RUAS, and the Health & Safety Executive for Northern Ireland to be made into a 30 second animated video that will be launched at this year’s Balmoral Show.

Entries can be made until 5pm on April 3, 2015. In addition to having their idea produced, the winner will also receive an iPad and a pass for their class to the Balmoral Show 2015.

Ulster Bank Senior Agriculture Manager, Cormac McKervey, says: “Farming is one of Northern Ireland’s most important industries and can be highly rewarding. But it is also an industry with risks. Thankfully the number of fatal farming accidents is starting to fall, and we believe that education has a centrally important role to play in helping ensure that trend continues. That’s why we are pleased to partner with the RUAS and other organisations to create what we are confident will be a very useful resource.”

Young people can download a storyboard template from the Balmoral Show website on which they should outline their farm safety story, accompanied by 150 words or less outlining their idea, before sending it to Ulster Bank.

The winning entry will be chosen by the expert panel of judges and the winning entry will be unveiled as a 30 second animated video on the first day of the Balmoral Show.

Further information and full details are available at: www.balmoralshow.co.uk